The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) has expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to senior journalist Babli Nayak, who passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness on Thursday. Nayak, widely respected in Goa’s media and cultural landscape, was known not only for his journalistic integrity but also for his lifelong dedication to the Konkani language and Goa’s identity.
Nayak began his career with Sunaparant, Goa’s first Konkani daily, from its inception. He rose through the ranks to become its editor and remained with the publication until it ceased operations in 2016. His work at Sunaparant helped shape the discourse on Goan identity and linguistic rights during a transformative era for the state.
Beyond the newsroom, Nayak played a critical role in the 1986 ‘Konkani Projecho Awaz’ movement, which sought recognition for Konkani as the official language of Goa and pushed for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He was also actively involved in the campaign for Goa’s statehood. His activism was not without sacrifice—he was arrested and jailed at Aguada Fort during the Emergency in 1975 for protesting against the suppression of civil liberties, as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Despite his substantial contributions to journalism and society, Nayak never accepted any awards or public felicitations. He chose to serve quietly but with unwavering dedication, earning the admiration and respect of peers across generations.
The GUJ has conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of Babli Nayak and acknowledged his unmatched role in shaping the media narrative in Goa. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who value fearless journalism and cultural advocacy.
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